Bears

The City of Greater Sudbury is surrounded by the habitat of black bears. Sometimes, these black bears are attracted to the city when they are looking for food. This page will provide you with information on how to avoid attracting black bears to your property, what to do if you do encounter one, and resources to Report-a-Bear.

Bear Encounters

Emergency Bear Encounters

If a bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety, call 911.

Examples of emergency encounters include when a bear:

  • enters a school yard while school is in session;
  • enters or tries to enter a home;
  • wanders into a public gathering;
  • kills pets or livestock;
  • or stalks people and lingers at the site.

 

Non-Emergency Bear Encounters

Non-emergency encounters include when a bear is:

  • Roaming around, checking garbage cans
  • Breaking into a shed where garbage or food is stored
  • In a tree
  • Pulling down a bird feeder or knocking over a barbecue
  • Moving through a backyard or field but is not lingering

Non-emergency bear encounters can be reported to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 or you can use the City’s Report-a-Bear map below.

Report-a-Bear

The City of Greater Sudbury maintains a Report-a-Bear map of bear sightings to determine patterns and intensity of bear sightings. We will not respond to bear sightings submitted through Report-a-Bear. Add your bear sighting to the map below:

  1. Fill out the online form.
  2. Call 705-674-4455 extension BEAR (2327) and leave a message.
  3. Send an email with your bear sighting information to bear@greatersudbury.ca. Include location, date, how many bears and any other relevant information.

Your sighting will be displayed on the map below within a day or two of being reported. Your name, address and contact information will not be made public. Photos submitted to the City through the Report-a-Bear portal may be shared in City of Greater Sudbury communications, including social media.

View larger, interactive map.

Locations may not be precise. 

Most recent bear sightings (last 7 days):

Monday Monday        Tuesday Tuesday       Wednesday Wednesday
Thursday Thursday      Friday Friday          Weekend  Weekend

  Sightings reported more than a week ago. Older Bear Sighting